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An In Vitro Model for Studying Tau Aggregation Using Lentiviral-mediated Transduction of Human Neurons
Published on: May 23, 2019
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Blocking tau transmission by biomimetic graphene nanoparticles
Runyao Zhu1, Kamlesh M Makwana2, Youwen Zhang1
1Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA. ywang65@nd.edu.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|July 11, 2023
Summary
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) effectively inhibit tau aggregation and transmission in tauopathies. These nanoparticles show potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases by disassembling pathological tau filaments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by tau protein aggregates forming neurofibrillary tangles.
- Tau pathology spreads between neurons, exacerbating cognitive and motor dysfunction.
- Current therapeutics face challenges with specificity and blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as a therapeutic agent for tauopathies.
- To evaluate GQDs' ability to inhibit tau aggregation and cell-to-cell transmission.
- To understand the interaction mechanisms between GQDs and tau protein.
Main Methods:
- Utilized graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as functionalized graphene nanoparticles.
- Assessed GQD efficacy in inhibiting tau fibrillization and disaggregating tau filaments.
- Investigated the role of electrostatic and π-π stacking interactions in GQD-tau binding.
Main Results:
- GQDs effectively blocked the seeding activity of tau fibrils.
- GQDs inhibited the fibrillization of monomeric tau and triggered disaggregation of tau filaments.
- Electrostatic and π-π stacking interactions mediated GQD binding to tau.
Conclusions:
- GQDs demonstrate biomimetic properties capable of inhibiting and disassembling pathological tau aggregates.
- GQDs show promise in blocking tau transmission, supporting their development for tauopathy treatment.
- Graphene nanoparticles offer a potential therapeutic avenue for neurodegenerative tauopathies.
